Plotinus and Film Studies

A one-day symposium on film studies and Plotinus (204/5-270 C.E.), one of the most influential Neoplatonic philosophers.

When: Friday, July 15, 9:00–15:00

Where: John S. Bailey Library, Upper Level

The symposium revolves around the publication of the forthcoming book Plotinus and the Moving Image: Neoplatonism and Film Studies (Brill 2017), edited by Thorsten Botz-Bornstein and Giannis Stamatellos, and contains essays by international scholars. The contributors to the book as well as other experts associated with the project will animate the symposium. The main topic is whether Neoplatonic philosophy can be used for film studies by considering concepts such as contemplation, image, grace, time, human freedom, and the self.

Program

Registration and Opening

9:00–9:30 | Welcome RemarksPatrick Quinn, Dean of the Liberal Arts Department at The American College of Greece

Paper Presentations

9:30–10:00 | “Cut Away Excess and Straighten the Crooked:” The Simplicity of Contemplative Cinema in the Light of Plotinus’ PhilosophyThorsten Botz-Bornstein

10:00–10:30 | Is the Universe a Work of Art that We Can Perceive in a Film?
​Tony Partridge

10:30–11:00 | Coffee Break

11:00–12:00 | Beyond the Moving Images: A Plotinian Reading of The Truman Show
​Giannis Stamatellos